The UK government is considering new measures that could place strict daily time limits, so-called “app caps”, on children’s use of social media, in a growing push to protect young people from online harm. The proposal, hinted at by a senior minister, is part of a broader crackdown on what officials call the “unregulated influence” of digital platforms on children’s mental health and development.
Speaking during a media interview, the minister suggested that the government is actively exploring whether children should be automatically restricted from spending more than a certain number of hours per day on apps like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube. While no firm policy has been announced, the remarks signal an increasingly interventionist stance from policymakers who have faced mounting pressure to act.
The proposal comes amid rising concerns over the impact of excessive screen time on young minds. Studies have shown links between prolonged social media use and anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and attention problems among teenagers. Critics argue that tech companies have little incentive to reduce time spent on their platforms, and that the burden has unfairly fallen on parents to monitor and manage digital habits without adequate tools or support.
Supporters of app caps say government action is long overdue. They argue that if the state can regulate harmful substances and products to protect children, like tobacco, alcohol, and gambling, it should also step in to address what they see as a public health crisis unfolding online. Proposed caps could involve automatic restrictions on usage time for under-18s, or alerts to parents when limits are approached.
Not everyone agrees, however. Digital rights groups and some educators warn that such restrictions risk being overly blunt tools that overlook nuances like educational use, creativity, or safe online communities. Others argue that enforcing time caps would be difficult across different devices and platforms, and could lead to greater surveillance or data collection.
Still, the government appears determined to take a tougher stance. The move follows the recent Online Safety Act and coincides with increasing global scrutiny of social media’s role in young people’s lives. Ministers say they will consult with parents, educators, and child psychologists before making any final decisions.
As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: the era of hands-off digital parenting may be drawing to a close, replaced by a more regulated and protective approach to children’s digital lives.
